Deciphering Fatigue From Fibromyalgia

Tuesday

Dec 11, 2012 at 6:25 PM

Dr. Oz weighs in on how to determine if symptoms are just fatigue or if they could be fibromyalgia.

Q: How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?
A: Diagnosing fibromyalgia isn’t easy, because the symptoms overlap with other conditions and there’s no definitive lab test for it. But a person’s symptoms and medical history can lead to a proper diagnosis. According to the American College of Rheumatology, key signs of fibromyalgia include:
pain in several specific spots for longer than three months
fatigue, trouble sleeping and difficulty thinking clearly
Other symptoms, such as disrupted sleep, headaches and dizziness, can also be associated with fibromyalgia. But a doctor will usually use lab tests to rule out other conditions first. Because many physicians may not be trained in the diagnostic criteria, some patients may bounce from one doctor to another while looking for an answer. So finding a doctor who is familiar with fibromyalgia is critical to getting an accurate diagnosis. —Cardiac surgeon and star of The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Mehmet Oz
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